freebsd-ports

Pros of void-packages

• Simpler build system using xbps-src, making it easier for users to create and maintain packages
• More frequent updates due to rolling release nature of Void Linux
• Supports both x86 and ARM architectures, offering broader hardware compatibility

Cons of void-packages

• Smaller package repository compared to freebsd-ports
• Less extensive documentation and community support
• Potentially less stable due to rolling release model

Code Comparison

void-packages:

./xbps-src pkg <package_name>
./xbps-src install <package_name>

freebsd-ports:

cd /usr/ports/<category>/<package_name>
make install clean

The void-packages repository uses a simpler command structure for building and installing packages, while freebsd-ports relies on the traditional BSD ports system with Makefiles.

Both repositories use template files to define package metadata and build instructions. void-packages uses a more streamlined approach with a single template file, while freebsd-ports typically has multiple files (Makefile, pkg-descr, etc.) for each port.

Overall, void-packages offers a more modern and user-friendly approach to package management, while freebsd-ports provides a larger selection of packages and a more established ecosystem.

Pros of gentoo

• More flexible and customizable package management system
• Larger repository with a wider variety of packages
• Better support for system-wide use flags and package-specific optimizations

Cons of gentoo

• Longer compilation times for packages, especially on less powerful hardware
• Steeper learning curve for new users due to its complexity
• Higher maintenance overhead for keeping the system up-to-date

Code comparison

freebsd-ports:

make install clean
portmaster -a
portsnap fetch update

gentoo:

emerge --sync
emerge -uDN @world
eselect profile list

Summary

Both freebsd-ports and gentoo are package management systems, but they differ in their approach and target operating systems. freebsd-ports is designed for FreeBSD, while gentoo is for the Gentoo Linux distribution. gentoo offers more flexibility and customization options, but at the cost of increased complexity and longer compilation times. freebsd-ports provides a simpler, binary-based approach that's faster to install but less customizable. The choice between the two depends on the user's needs, expertise, and preferred operating system.

Pros of nixpkgs

• Declarative and reproducible package management
• Supports multiple versions of packages coexisting
• Allows for easy system-wide rollbacks

Cons of nixpkgs

• Steeper learning curve due to unique package management approach
• Smaller community and ecosystem compared to FreeBSD ports
• Can be more resource-intensive for system updates

Code comparison

nixpkgs:

{ stdenv, fetchFromGitHub }:

stdenv.mkDerivation rec {
  pname = "example";
  version = "1.0.0";
  src = fetchFromGitHub { ... };
}

freebsd-ports:

PORTNAME=	example
DISTVERSION=	1.0.0
CATEGORIES=	devel

MAINTAINER=	ports@FreeBSD.org
COMMENT=	Example port

GNU_CONFIGURE=	yes

Summary

nixpkgs offers a more flexible and reproducible package management system, but with a steeper learning curve. freebsd-ports provides a more traditional and established approach to package management within the FreeBSD ecosystem. The choice between the two depends on specific needs, familiarity with the respective systems, and desired level of customization and reproducibility.

Pros of macports-ports

• Designed specifically for macOS, ensuring better compatibility with Apple's ecosystem
• Larger collection of ports, offering more software options for macOS users
• More frequent updates due to active community and focus on macOS

Cons of macports-ports

• Limited to macOS, lacking cross-platform support
• May require more system resources due to its approach of building packages from source

Code Comparison

macports-ports:

PortSystem          1.0
PortGroup           python 1.0

name                py-numpy
version             1.21.2
revision            0
categories-append   science
license             BSD

freebsd-ports:

PORTNAME=	numpy
PORTVERSION=	1.21.2
PORTREVISION=	1
CATEGORIES=	math python
MASTER_SITES=	PYPI
PKGNAMEPREFIX=	${PYTHON_PKGNAMEPREFIX}

Both repositories use different file formats and structures for defining ports. MacPorts uses TCL-based Portfiles, while FreeBSD Ports uses Makefiles. The basic information (name, version, categories) is similar, but the syntax and organization differ. MacPorts' approach may be more intuitive for some users, while FreeBSD's Makefile system is more familiar to Unix/Linux administrators.